We spent a day in Ronda on our recent trip to Southern Spain and instantly fell in love! This amazing small town in the mountains captivated us immediately with its colors, local culture, and stunning architecture. What was meant to be just a pit stop on the way to the beautiful beaches of Nerja, turned into a visit we would never forget! In our Ronda Spain travel guide we’ll go over the best things to do, the famous bridge, and all the most delicious restaurants in town. So whether you’re visiting on a day trip or spending a whole week taking in the history of Ronda Spain, we got you covered!
Spain Inspiration
- Planning a Trip to Spain: 10 Step Easy to Follow Vacation Guide
- 22 Fun & Interesting Facts About Spain That Might Surprise You
- 40 Popular Spanish Foods & Drinks: Best Tapas, Seafood, and Much More
- The Plato del Dia: How to Order Spain’s Delicious 3 Course Budget Lunch
- Vueling Airlines: 5 Tips for Flying on a Budget in Spain
Quick History of Ronda Spain
Ronda was founded by Celts back in the 6th Century, making it one of Spain’s oldest towns. Over the years it has changed hands between the Celts, Islamic Moors, the Roman Empire, and (what would become) Spain, in endless spouts of bloody battles and religious reform.
Remnants of each culture and period of history still stands as a reminder of how Ronda came to be. The sheer geography of the town is a spectacle in itself, as it sits high atop the mountains overlooking the countryside.
This among other charming aspects of the city has helped form a romantic idea of Ronda. Incredible architecture like the Ronda Spain bridge has drawn in many famous people including famous German poet Rainer Maria Rilke. A scene from the Ronda’s part in the Spanish Civil War was even depicted in Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Puente Nuevo
Puente Nuevo or the “New Bridge,” is the defining image of Ronda. Although it’s the most recently built of the three main bridges in Ronda, it’s hardly new if you look at the history of Ronda Spain!
Puente Nuevo took an astounding 42 years to build and finished construction in 1803. For over two hundred years it has connected the two sides of the town and continues to share miles of breathtaking panoramic views of the El Tajo Gorge.
Even so, the best views may actually be from the walking trail below on the Camino de Los Molinos. It takes you on a hike down into the gorge and underneath the Ronda Spain bridge so you can truly feel how impressive this structure is!
When looking for things to do in Ronda, Puento Nuevo is a no brainer in the day time. Yet, also make sure to stop by at night! Flood lights illuminate the bridge, making for a very dramatic and beautiful sight.
Old Town of Ronda Spain
While wandering the streets of Ronda, you’ll eventually end up in this very beautiful and historic section of the city. The architecture will take you back in time, as you quickly get lost in the maze of streets and delicious Ronda Spain restaurants!
One of the best things to do in Ronda old town is to check out Puente Viejo. However, you shouldn’t get this confused with the bigger Ronda Spain bridge! Puente Viejo is actually the much older bridge, and the original one of old town.
Banos Arabes
The Arab baths are one Ronda’s oldest structures, and yet another testament to its rich and diverse cultural history. Constructed in the 13th century, they’re still in very excellent condition for being some of the oldest of their kind in Spain.
Muslim worshippers who called Ronda home at this time believed one had to be purified before entering the city. As seen in other places around Europe, the Arab baths become a part of the identity as they do with the history of Ronda Spain. Definitely make this a stop when you’re exploring the San Miguel Quarter!
Plaza de Toros
Plaza de Toros is one of the first bullfighting rings ever built in Spain, and is said to be the official birthplace of the sport! Many of Spain’s most famous bullfighters have actually competed here. As you can imagine, it’s an amazing feeling to be able to walk out into the ring.
In recent years there has been a public backlash due to the gruesome nature of the sport, so bullfighting only occurs once a year now at Plaza de Toros. However, the museum is very well done, and it is definitely worth seeing on your trip to Ronda.
Mirador de Ronda
There are plenty of amazing views to see in Ronda, but Mirador de Ronda stands out as a must see for any traveler! Otherwise known as “The End of the World,” this viewpoint has a small metal balcony that extends over the cliff.
We were left in absolute awe of the incredible landscape below. Once you’re done snapping all your stunning photos you can continue on the cliff walk. Mirador de Ronda should be high on your list of things to do in Ronda Spain!
The Very Best Ronda Spain Restaurant
While great tapas can be found everywhere in Spain, we have yet to find a match for this little place in Ronda! El Lechuguita was recommended by a local so we knew it was likely going to be fantastic. The classic Spanish restaurant has over 60 different kinds of tapas listed for only .80 cents each.
Cervezas or Vino will also only cost you 1 euro at this unreal Ronda Spain restaurant. Located just off the Main Street, El Lechuguita is packed from open to close! Our favorites were the octopus salad, meatballs, stuffed peppers, escargot, and mussels.
If you have any questions about the famous Puente Nuevo or Ronda Spain restaurants let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear what you think are the best things to do in Ronda Spain!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay In Ronda Spain
Ultra Luxury (High End) – Catalonia Ronda – Set high in the hills across from the Ronda Bull Ring, this luxury hotel has everything you need for an amazing stay. Take advantage of the rooftop, infinity pool, and other great amenities as you take in the beautiful views of the city.
Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Hotel Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel – Located in the heart of old town, Hotel Soho is one of the best places to experience the history of Ronda Spain! Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful Andalusian courtyard before heading out to explore the streets.
Hostel Life (Budget) – Pensión Ronda Sol – There isn’t many hostel options near the Ronda Spain bridge, but this awesome place is just close enough if you’re on a budget. Quick walk to the bus and train stations as well so you’re never to far from Ronda’s old town.
For more places to stay near Ronda Spain you can explore the latest prices here!
Pin For Later ↓
Explore Spain
Best of Spain: Visiting in Winter – Costa Del Sol – 13 Best Drinks – 11 Cities in Southern Spain
Granada: Best Tapas – 15 Fun Things to Do – Alhambra de Granada
Nerja: 15 Things to do – Best Tapas – 7 Beautiful Beaches – Playa Burriana – Nerja Caves
Small Towns: Mijas – Frigiliana – Rupit – Cadiz
Gran Canaria: 13 Food & Drinks – Agaete Natural Pools – Route of the Tapas – Volcano Hike
Fuerteventura: Travel Guide – 12 Best Beaches – Renting a Car – Aguas Verdes Natural Pool – Krabbenfelsen Natural Pool – Popcorn Beach
Tenerife: 7 Best Beaches – Playa Amarilla – Mount Teide Volcano Drive – Boat Tour
___________________________
Spain Travel Planning
Information: Explore all our Spain articles, amazing destinations around the world, travel planning tips, street food guides, and so much more.
Flights: We always find the best flights using Skyscanner. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly between cities in Spain than driving or taking the train!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites for places to stay such as Booking.com, Agoda, & Vrbo.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Spain road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around Spain. You can book a tour of the Madrid Royal Palace, skip the line and explore the Alhambra de Granada, or even jump on a Tenerife Dolphin cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
